Some work to be done before the holidays? Choose your European remote work destination
Feeling the itch to escape daily routines? Thinking of working remotely somewhere in Europe? We picked some of our favourite remote work destinations to choose from. Now pack your laptop, book your flights, and make sure you have some time for days off and fun activities in your work schedule. It is time to make the most of your working holiday.
Get a head start on your summer holiday in Italy
Want to enjoy summer holiday vibes even before the start of your holiday? Make a beeline for Italy. This beautiful country has it all, which makes it an ideal destination for the remote worker seeking anything from picturesque scenery to the calm of the countryside, all while enjoying glorious summer weather. If you wish to stay longer, especially in Southern Italy summer reaches well into October or November. If you are lucky, the weather can be great all year round.
Apart from the weather, one of the main reasons digital nomads head to Italy is the relatively reasonable rent prices. In major cities like Rome or Milan, long-term rental houses can be found starting from €500 a month. If you are willing to head out into the charming smaller towns or countryside, you can discover a lovely property for as little as €300 a month.
For a few years now, Italy has encouraged digital nomads to move to more remote, especially Southern villages of the country to set up their own remote work offices and revitalise these areas. Starting from April 2024, Italy even offers a digital nomad visa, which allows you to live and work in this beautiful country for a longer time. With its balanced blend of affordability and charm, Italy offers a perfect balance of work and leisure, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads.
Easy city living in Croatia
If you are tempted by urban life, Croatia can offer good value. Croatia's bigger cities Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Spilt have plenty of affordable short-term rentals making it easy to find accommodation even in the city's centre. House sharing is common, renting a room from Airbnb is a popular choice when staying for a shorter while, and more coworking spaces are starting to pop up. The Expat in Croatia -site has a comprehensive list of spaces available across Croatia.
What makes Croatia great for remote workers is the bustling cafe scene. Most cafes will not frown upon laptop workers and will welcome you to spend your working day there. Not all cafes offer Wi-Fi, but good internet access is getting more common. Some of the most beloved digital nomad coffee shops in Zagreb include Quahwa, known for their quality coffee, and Filteraj, with plant-based options found from their menu. In Split, you could choose D16 Coffee for their central location right in the middle of an ancient palace. When it comes to Dubrovnik, Cogito Coffee has a location in the beautiful old town. These are some suggestions, but just wandering around these cities you will come across a space where people are pounding on their laptops over a latte or a sneaky glass of wine.
Culture and community in Germany
Germany is one of the best options for your remote work experience if you are working in the creative industry - or just looking to get inspired, meet like-minded people, and enjoy versatile culture and events.
When considering remote work in Germany, most will think of Berlin. And it is still a safe option for many reason. Rent is not as high as in other major metropolitans, and as far as experiences go, it does not get much better. The co-working spaces in Berlin have a strong emphasis on creativity and community, so joining one for a while can be very fruitful. Some examples of the spaces that offer a lot more than just an office space are Factory Berlin and Kaos.
If you are travelling alone and want to connect with others there are also events and groups you can join. The Internationals in Berlin group welcomes newcomers and hosts lots of events. If you don't need a permanent co-working space but would like to meet people, Betahaus has a cafe and events you can drop in on short notice.
Nature and small-town charm in Finland
Most digital nomads will not venture out of Helsinki when visiting Finland. This makes sense as the capital has great cafes, inspiring co-working spaces, and lots of culture. But why not try remote work somewhere outside of the metropolitan area? Rent-wise, you will get a lot more bang for your buck and be able to get closer to nature.
Some of the smaller towns that offer short-term accommodation throughout the year, cafes to work in, and lots of charm include Porvoo, Tammisaari, and Rauma. You could also try the student-heavy Jyväskylä in the very heart of Finland, the cultural coastal city of Turku, or head up the coast to Vaasa.
If you want to be right in the middle of nature, you could rent a cabin. Outside of the summer season, you can get some serious deals and have peace and quiet to focus on your work. A week or two of remote working in beautiful landscapes is guaranteed to restore and refresh your everyday life. In winter, remote working in Lapland is also a great choice, with fresh outdoor activities and white landscapes to brighten up your working day.